Christmas Trees Are not Pagan
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T
Tintin, you have to understand the point beta makes is valid. Jesus kept the Sabbath and as followers of Jesus there would be nothing wrong in doing it. The silly arguments flying around on CC is actually very childish. If somebody wants to keep the Sabbath let them do it.
God never gave the law only to the Jews and for you to say it is Jewish just shows a lack of knowledge. I understand your frustration but go and read it again. Not only the Jews were present at Mt Sinai. All of Israel was there and other nations as well.
God never gave the law only to the Jews and for you to say it is Jewish just shows a lack of knowledge. I understand your frustration but go and read it again. Not only the Jews were present at Mt Sinai. All of Israel was there and other nations as well.
Hebrews 4 - We keep the Sabbath by entering into Christ where we rest from our own labors of human effort and receive the gift of Christ's completed work.
The Sabbath speaks of Christ Himself. Whether one observes this by faith in what Christ has done spiritually only or by physically following the shadow of the law of Moses is not the issue.
No Christian needs to observe the Sabbath as in the law of Moses from Friday to Saturday but the good news is that we have the liberty in Christ to do so or to also not do so as one chooses.
Where the perversion of the gospel of Christ comes in is when people say "You must observe the Sabbath as in the law of Moses or you are dis-obeying God and sinning".
Many of these controversies can be cleared up by following this scripture below and allowing others to do the same.
Romans 14:22 (NASB)
[SUP]22 [/SUP] The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
The Sabbath speaks of Christ Himself. Whether one observes this by faith in what Christ has done spiritually only or by physically following the shadow of the law of Moses is not the issue.
No Christian needs to observe the Sabbath as in the law of Moses from Friday to Saturday but the good news is that we have the liberty in Christ to do so or to also not do so as one chooses.
Where the perversion of the gospel of Christ comes in is when people say "You must observe the Sabbath as in the law of Moses or you are dis-obeying God and sinning".
Many of these controversies can be cleared up by following this scripture below and allowing others to do the same.
Romans 14:22 (NASB)
[SUP]22 [/SUP] The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
Did God break an agreement God made with us so a new agreement could be made? God blessed a day at creation, it was a day made for us. Did Christ take away that blessing of the day? We are to rest from our regular work that day, did Christ say we aren't to work for a living any more but only rest from our work?
The Hebrew language that the Lord uses is Unique language, it has layers of meaning. The first layer is the simple one, in this case the Sabbath is a day God blessed for us. You are giving a layer of meaning that is just as true as the blessing God gave the day. We are to understand all layers, for they are all true.
D
I can't seem to find the scripture that tells us it's okay to mix good and evil as long as we have a good heart about it. Where is this in the scripture?
If God looks at our heart alone, then I again have to wonder why God struck Uzza dead in amongst the entire nation of Israel worshipping God with ALL of their HEART? Despite that 'heart' offering of worship, God stuck Uzza dead because he followed in the example of the pagans which just happened to be contrary to His instructions. So clearly, the heart alone is not the answer.
Can you share with me the examples from scripture where God says it's okay to mix good and evil? Can you share with me from scripture where God says it's okay to do anything as long as you have a 'good heart' about it??? Help me understand from scripture please.
If God looks at our heart alone, then I again have to wonder why God struck Uzza dead in amongst the entire nation of Israel worshipping God with ALL of their HEART? Despite that 'heart' offering of worship, God stuck Uzza dead because he followed in the example of the pagans which just happened to be contrary to His instructions. So clearly, the heart alone is not the answer.
Can you share with me the examples from scripture where God says it's okay to mix good and evil? Can you share with me from scripture where God says it's okay to do anything as long as you have a 'good heart' about it??? Help me understand from scripture please.
What does Dec. 25th, decorating trees, Santa Claus, elves, and flying reindeer have to do with Jesus Christ? Absolutely nothing!!!! 
But it sure makes the merchants of the world happy, happy, happy! lol
Test all these worldly traditions by the words of God, if it is not of the Truth, and if it does not solely glorify God, then stay away from it.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
But it sure makes the merchants of the world happy, happy, happy! lol
Test all these worldly traditions by the words of God, if it is not of the Truth, and if it does not solely glorify God, then stay away from it.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Here's a good video concerning the evangelical response of those who claim that Jeremiah 10 refers to Christmas trees.
This youtube channel, InspiringPhilosophy, is creating a set of videos debunking the claim, commonly made by Armstrongites and Hebrew Roots Movement types, that Christians are neo-pagans. Usually, they are making this assertion to build up their own faulty world views.
Enjoy, and also check back for InspiringPhilosophy's addition to this anti-holiday series.
I used to be an ignorant Armstrongite that believed these sorts of things:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_Yx3aMCiE
Most of this stuff comes from Alexander Hislop's Two Babylons and the writings of Jacob Grimm.
This youtube channel, InspiringPhilosophy, is creating a set of videos debunking the claim, commonly made by Armstrongites and Hebrew Roots Movement types, that Christians are neo-pagans. Usually, they are making this assertion to build up their own faulty world views.
Enjoy, and also check back for InspiringPhilosophy's addition to this anti-holiday series.
I used to be an ignorant Armstrongite that believed these sorts of things:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca_Yx3aMCiE
Most of this stuff comes from Alexander Hislop's Two Babylons and the writings of Jacob Grimm.
If it is a ceremonial law... it is not something we could judge another with it only applies to ceremonies, it like the Sabaath is not a moral issue.
If the tree is not green it has pagan roots.(LOL)
My uncle sold trees and my Dad and I helped many times.
I can remember in the 60's when they had flocked trees any color a person desired , even pink.
Why do people not understand that it is ONLY a pagan tradition IF PAGANS are doing it. For Christians, it HAS NOTHING TO DO with pagans or their traditions.
Ava Maria is a song traditionally sung by Catholics. If your church sings Ava Maria, does that make them Catholic?
Red Necks from Bama have a tradition of BBQing, if you BBQ does that make you a Red Neck from Bama?
(goodness)
Ava Maria is a song traditionally sung by Catholics. If your church sings Ava Maria, does that make them Catholic?
Red Necks from Bama have a tradition of BBQing, if you BBQ does that make you a Red Neck from Bama?
(goodness)
Gee, I dunno, what do you think this says?
Hebrews 8:6) But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 .) For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 .) For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
9 .) Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
10 .) For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
11 .) And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 .) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13 .) In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Hebrews 8:6) But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 .) For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 .) For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:
9 .) Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.
10 .) For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:
11 .) And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
12 .) For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
13 .) In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Good point:
Hebrews
4
1 .) Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 .) For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3 .) For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 .) For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5 .) And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 .) Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7 .) Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 .) For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 .) There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 .) For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 .) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12 .) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 .) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 .) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 .) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 .) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews
4
1 .) Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
2 .) For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
3 .) For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 .) For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5 .) And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 .) Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7 .) Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 .) For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 .) There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 .) For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 .) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
12 .) For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 .) Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 .) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 .) For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 .) Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.